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• Flooded Basements
  • Precautions of Flooding in Basements
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Solutions

The best protection against future flooding and sewage contamination is prevention. The following corrective measures are suggested:

1. Install a back water valve. A back water valve is a valve that rests inside a main plumbing line and lifts open when water exits the house and closes when water enters the house from outside (price: $500 - $750).

2. Maintain an existing back water valve. Back water valves should be serviced, lubricated, cleaned and seated properly every three to five years. Local plumbers service these valves for about $150 to $200.

3. Install a holding tank. A holding tank can also be installed to collect excess water and sewage that backs up into the home, holds it until the surcharge ends, and then discharges it. (Price: $1,500 - $2,500)

4. Install a sump pump. Sump pumps may be needed is a ground water problem exists. A hole at the lowest point of the basement is made so that water can be drained down to it. The system pumps rising ground water from the basement into the sewer. (Price: Unfinished basement - $300 - $500, plus materials. Finished basements - $500 and up, plus materials.)

5. Install a gate valve. Gate valves may be installed on a home's plumbing to stop sewage from backing up into the toilet, sink, or washing machine. The valve closes the pipe completely so that no water enters or exits the house. There are disadvantages to this corrective method however. The homeowner has to remember to turn the valve off during a rain storm and then to turn it back on when it is over. Secondly, the homeowner cannot use the sink, toilet, or washing machine when the gate valve is turned off. (Price: $100 - $125)